Germany finalizes 3 billion euro aid package for Ukraine

It is noted that Steinmeier signed a law that practically cancels the "debt brake" rule. It now needs to be published in the federal law gazette.

Expenditures on defense, intelligence services, and cybersecurity exceeding 1% of GDP will be exempt from the debt rule. Importantly, this also unlocks the allocation of 3 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine.

According to the approved law, 500 billion euros could be allocated for infrastructure investments over the next 12 years. The federal states are required to use 100 billion euros for their own infrastructure, 300 billion euros will be transferred to the German government, and the remaining 100 billion euros will be allocated for climate protection.

It is worth noting that on Friday, March 21, the upper house of the German parliament approved the bill, and the budget committee of the Bundestag also made the corresponding decision.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock welcomed this decision and emphasized its critical importance as the situation in Ukraine continues to worsen. She added that Ukraine urgently needs more surface-to-air missiles, artillery ammunition, spare parts, and weapon systems.

Germany’s aid to Ukraine

Germany is one of Ukraine's main allies and leaders in providing military assistance. Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, Berlin has provided the Ukrainian army with tanks of various modifications, artillery, armored vehicles, shells, ammunition, and other weaponry.

Germany has also provided Ukraine with means to enhance its air defense, including the latest IRIS-T and Patriot missile systems.

However, Germany has yet to approve the transfer of long-range Taurus cruise missiles, which Ukraine has requested. Find out more about these missiles in the RBC-Ukraine article.